The Last Waltz (Martin Scorsese, 1978)
I have mixed feelings about this classic, a record of the Band’s star-studded last performance. There’s no question it’s beautifully shot and edited–this is Scorsese at the peak of his powers–and though I can question the need for the studio performance footage that’s mixed in, it’s hard to argue with those who say this is one of the best concert docs ever. That said, I can’t get around the fact that I didn’t love the concert, especially. I enjoyed the Band’s numbers, but I found the never-ending parade of guest stars exasperating, and for me, only Neil Young, Muddy Waters, and that little drunken Irish boxer in tight polyester really get things cookin’, though Dylan certainly tries with “Baby Let Me Follow You Down”. Your mileage will almost certainly vary. This was the new, restored version, and the print was a knockout, visually and aurally. B
